Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid has emphasised that his relationship with Karim Benzema was critical to his team’s success last season.
Los Blancos depended on the two as they won LaLiga and again as European champions.
With Vinicius scored the winner to beat Liverpool to earn the club’s 14th Champions League.
In the 2021–22 season, Benzema scored 44 goals, just two behind Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (50), who has since joined Real Madrid’s bitter rivals Barcelona.
Vinicius was keen to emphasise the importance of his relationship with the France international, telling UEFA Media:
“It’s always essential to influence games, and Karim always tells me to be brave.
“You have to shoot to score or pass to assist. If not, keep the ball.
“Our connection has been perfect, and we have won many games together.”
Benzema and Vinicius contributed to 66 goals in LaLiga last season.
With the latter contributing to 21 more goals than he had in the previous campaign.
Benzema scored 0.98 goals per game, which was more significant than any other season in his career, and helped his side earn 29 points, the most of any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
Only five players have scored more goals since Benzema made his top-flight debut, and some are asking for him to win his first Ballon d’Or ever after only Kylian Mbappe (60) had more goals involvements than him (59) in Europe’s top five leagues the previous season.
In their quest to win the title, Benzema and Vinicius played critical roles in several incredible Champions League comebacks, most notable victories over Manchester City and PSG.
And the 22-year-old believes Real Madrid’s determination and never-say-die attitude are inherent.
“It’s the DNA of this club and this shirt, and it always shows up in big games,” he added.
“Some games become an emotional roller coaster. However, we have players who know how to approach Champions League games.”
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